Kartelo’s Journey: Proving the "Street Urchin" Critics Wrong Seven Years Later

Entertainer Kartelo has revisited his roots to remind his followers of the hurdles he faced early in his career. He recently took to Instagram to recall a specific prediction made about his future in broadcasting.

The post highlighted the journey he has taken from an online creator to a mainstream radio presenter.

The 'Guttersnipe' Critique

In May 2019, a social media user posted a harsh critique of the comedian. The critic referred to Kartelo as a "street urchin" and a "guttersnipe." They questioned the appeal of his "alto" voice and his focus on sharing "peasant experiences."

The user suggested that Kartelo was enjoying a brief moment of fame.

“You can’t speak English, somehow that makes you funny hahahaha!! Maybe I’m just too sophisticated comedy-wise, but what y’all imagine to be funny is just gibberish. Heneway, let the guttersnipe have his 15 minutes of fame,” the social media critic wrote in May 2019.

Proving the Doubters Wrong

Seven years later, Kartelo shared an image of this original comment with his followers. He noted that back in 2019, some people were certain he would not last even a week in the industry.

His response showed that he is still active in the entertainment scene in 2026. He accompanied the post with a message of continued faith and perseverance.

"Someone was sure I wouldn’t last a week... 2026, pon di journey still,” Kartelo captioned his photo in a radio studio.

A Rise Driven by Relatability

Kartelo first gained fame through viral comedy skits on digital platforms. His success was built on consistent content and a deep understanding of his audience. He used relatable humour to reflect everyday situations that resonated with many Kenyans. This loyal fan base helped him transition from social media to traditional media platforms.

New Role at Milele FM

This digital success eventually led to a significant role at Milele FM, which is owned by Mediamax. Kartelo now works alongside Caroline Mkamburi, an established radio personality.

For Kartelo, the move into radio represents a chance to develop new skills. Working in radio requires live interaction and quick thinking. It also exposes him to different formats of storytelling and audience interaction.

He continues to establish himself in different segments of the entertainment industry. His transition from an online comedian to a radio personality shows how talent and opportunity can align to create progress. Despite the early predictions of a short career, he remains a prominent figure on the airwaves.